Chibuku Super Cup is back!

Grace Chingoma Senior Sports Reporter
HARARE City will begin their defence of the Chibuku Super Cup with a tricky first round date against Border Strikers in two weeks’ time.

According to the draw conducted in the capital yesterday, the top eight teams in the championship race at the halfway mark, were seeded at the draw and will also be at home in the first round matches.

Harare giants Dynamos were paired against How Mine.

Interestingly, the two teams were also drawn against each other in last year’s first round.

Delta Corporation executives such as Maxen Karombo, Patricia Murambinda and Chibuku Brand Manager Karen Dhliwayo, club representatives, some coaches and a handful of supporters attended the draw.

This year’s tournament could be the last season in which the $75 000 knockout tournament would be staged by PSL who signed an initial three-year contract with Chibuku.

The contract could be extended.

Harare City coach Moses Chunga said they were under pressure as the holders.

“It is not going to be easy because we are the defending champions and we have to prepare well,” said Chunga.

“The pressure is starting to mount because we have nearly half the team out with injuries and now we have a depleted side, as we have long-term injuries to defenders Arnold Chivheya, Crispen Dickson, Munyaradzi Diro Nyenye and midfielder Learnmore Muyambo.

“They (Border Strikers) are a tough team and it is unfortunate they are in that position due to financial problems and you have to be at your best to beat them.”

Border Strikers secretary-general Rodlet Chigwinya said they had nothing to lose.

“I think we have been drawn against a good side and they are the holders, but the good thing is we have managed to pick three points against Harare City so we are geared to win against them and progress,” he said.

How Mine secretary, James Zibhowa, said they were unfortunate to be drawn against the same team they faced last year.

“In the first round we are always given big teams. Last year we were given Dynamos again and we lost, in the previous year we were drawn against Highlanders.

“But we are not expecting a bad result,” said Zibhowa.

FC Platinum spokesperson Chido Chizondo was happy with the draw.

“Chapungu are a very good side. We have played with them at home and we still have a pending game away and, hopefully, we can capitalise on not having to travel long distance for our first fixture.

“It is a Midlands derby and derbies are not cheap,” said Chizondo.

Mutare City chairman Isdore Bingura was thrilled to be drawn against Highlanders.

“Highlanders are a big team and we respect them, but we are not afraid of them,” said Bingura.

“But if you are to go by history we played in Bulawayo and won 2-1 and would want to repeat the same feat in Bulawayo.

“We picked four points from them and that is what is encouraging us.”

ZPC Kariba secretary Robert Mamvura said they were hoping for a fruitful adventure in the tournament.

“I believe all teams are equally capable that’s is why we are in the same league and anticipate a good game from Bulawayo City.

“Bulawayo City are quite a tough opponent and they might spring a surprise for us. We are planning to reach the final,” said Mamvura.

Triangle chairman, Lovemore Matsikinyidze, said he was satisfied with the draw.

“I am always of the view that every team in the league is good, so we have been paired with an equal partner.

“We will do our best to make sure that we take advantage of the fact that we are playing at home and proceed to the next round,” he said.

CAPS United assistant coach Fungai “Tostao” Kwashi said they face a tricky opponent.

“Tsholotsho is a tough team, they are compact and well organised, well drilled and their coach is very intelligent.

“It is going to be a tough contest. They have been fighting in the relegation zone, but they will switch off into the Cup mode whereby they say we only have four games to reach the final we need to get there.

“It is going to be a tough battle they would want to beat us,” said Kwashi.

The tournament will kick off next weekend while the quarter finals would be held on the weekend of September 30 to October 2.

The semi-finals have been slated for the weekend of October 21 to 23. The final will be played on November 5.

Full Draw

FC Platinum v Chapungu (Mandava), Highlanders v Mutare City (Barbourfields), CAPS United v Tsholotsho (NSS), Dynamos v How Mine (Rufaro), ZPC Kariba v Bulawayo City (Nyamhunga), Triangle v Chicken Inn (Gibbo), Ngezi Platinum v Hwange (Baobab), Harare City v Border Strikers (Rufaro).